Sunburnt rose?

Hi,
I wasn't quite sure where to put this subject....
My sister lives near Horsham in a hot dry area of north-western Victoria. She bought some standard Icebergs last year - probably about three or four year old plants. Some looked like they had been sunburnt on the stem. Please look at the attached photo and tell me if this is sunburn? She has asked me to find out if there is anything she can do for this sort of injury and how to prevent it in the coming summer.

Barbara B

Barbara, in my opinion, it is not sunburn. It is aging of the rootstock and the variety of rootstock. I have an old weeping standard and it is the same. If you were to look at the top of any old bush rose the rootstock is the same.
Barbara could you ask Betty, if what we are seeing is facing west by chance.

Hi David,
thank you for your reply. Betty said it is facing west.
Barbara B

It also looks like it could be rubbing on the stake.

Thanks Simon - I'll pass that on too.
Barbara B